Who is Eligible for Coverage?
Immigrants and Non-Citizens
Individuals who are lawfully present in the U.S. can get health coverage in New Mexico. This includes people who have been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). On the BeWell application, you will need to document your visa status as having TPS. Fill out the section of the application that asks for visa and immigration information. Get a list of documents to verify your immigration status.
If you are lawfully present and have applied for TPS but it has not been granted yet, you may still apply for coverage through BeWell. If your application for TPS is denied by USCIS, and you do not have a qualifying immigration status, you will not be eligible to enroll in or maintain health insurance coverage through BeWell. For the most updated list of countries designated for TPS, visit the USCIS website.
Migrant Workers
Migrant workers with an H-2A visa status are eligible to apply for coverage through BeWell. To qualify, your primary residence must be in New Mexico. Health insurance coverage through BeWell can help pay for your health needs such as illnesses and injuries while you are away from home and working seasonally in New Mexico.
As a migrant worker, if you move residences frequently for your job within New Mexico, you can still be eligible to enroll in a health insurance plan through BeWell. You will need to edit your BeWell application each time you move to get the correct eligibility for financial assistance. Your health insurance monthly premium rate may change based on your home address location.
To show your eligibility, you will be asked to upload a picture or scanned copy of one of your immigration documents showing your visa code into your BeWell application portal.
People With No Social Security Number (SSN)
You do not have to have an SSN to apply for coverage through BeWell. For applicants with no SSN, including those who are lawfully present or non-citizens, the SSN field of the BeWell application should be left blank. Do not enter an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in this field. You will then be asked to verify that you have an eligible immigration status by indicating the document you can provide and including information from that document.
Everyone applying for coverage is required to provide an SSN if they have one. If household members included on the application are not seeking coverage, it is not required, but they are still encouraged to provide an SSN if they have one. This will prevent delays in the process.
New Mexico Residents
If you do not have health insurance, you may qualify for discounted coverage through BeWell, Medicaid or the New Mexico Medical Insurance Pool. BeWell will work with you to explore coverage options and determine which programs you qualify for, as well as how to apply and enroll.
BeWell, New Mexico’s Health Insurance Marketplace
Eligibility for savings on health insurance plans offered through BeWell is based on income. You can schedule a free appointment with a bilingual certified assister to find out if you are eligible.
Medicaid
Medicaid eligibility is based on income and immigration status. Non-citizens and immigrants may have to wait five years after obtaining “qualified” immigration status to be eligible to apply. Other groups, like legally residing children and pregnant women, are exempt from the waiting period and can apply immediately. We encourage people to reach out directly to Medicaid to learn more about their options.
New Mexico Medical Insurance Pool
The New Mexico Medical Insurance Pool provides access to health insurance coverage to residents of New Mexico who are denied health insurance and considered uninsurable. If you don’t qualify for BeWell or Medicaid, you may be able to purchase coverage through the New Mexico Insurance Pool.
See which coverage you qualify for based on your immigration status using the chart below.
| To get covered, contact: | Medicaid 1.855.637.6574 yes.state.nm.us |
BeWell 1.833.862.3935 beWellnm.com |
NM Medical Insurance Pool 1.844.728.7896 nmmip.org |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration Status | All Immigration Statuses including documented and undocumented as long as they reside in the State of New Mexico & do not qualify for Medicaid or BeWell | ✔ | ||
| Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR/Green Card holder) | ✔may have a 5 year waiting period* | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Lawful Temporary Resident Individual with Non-immigrant Status. Includes worker visas (such as H1, H-2A, H-2B), student visas, U-visa, T-visa, and other visas. | ✔pregnant women and/or children under the age of 21 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Refugees/Asylee and Conditional Entrant Granted before 1980 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Victim of Trafficking and his/her Spouse, Child, Sibling or Parent | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Administrative order staying removal issued by the Department of Homeland Security | ✔ | ✔ | ||
Other Terms You May Need to Know
Public Charge is a test to see if someone applying for a green card or visa is likely to use public benefits. Public Charge never applies to health care subsidies you may get through BeWell; Medicaid received by children age 21 and younger, pregnant women; refugees, asylum seekers, victims of trafficking, victims of domestic violence and other serious crimes; special immigrant juvenile status; and others. Contact an immigration attorney if you have questions.
Emergency Medicaid Services for Non-Citizens (EMSNC) is available to cover the costs of emergencies for individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid due to their immigration status.
Questions? Call 833-862-3935, chat with us, or schedule a free appointment with a certified assister.
